Day 01   Addis Ababa
​Visit Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.  Tour the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history.  Make a short drive to Entoto Hills for a view of the city and visit Maryam Church. En-route, stop at Sheromeda traditional cloth market.  Visit the Mercato or the Sholla Market, two of Addis Ababa's main markets.​​Overnight Hotel -  ( Lunch, Dinner included)

 Day 02   Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient monasteries on the Zege Peninsula. We will visit two of the following monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehiret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, and Bete Maryam. End the day with a sunset visit to Bezawit Hills overlooking the Nile River.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D included)

Day 03   Bahar Dar - Gondar
Drive through the countryside to Gondar.  Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century.  Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire.  Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.
​Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 04   Gondar - Lalibela
​Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines.  Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  This group of eleven monolithic churches were carved directly into the stone mountainside at least 800 years ago.  This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn the process for baking injera (a staple food for much of Ethiopia.)
​Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 05   Lalibela
For the morning, we have two options: Take a morning hike with mules to the 13th century rock-hewn monastery of Mount Asheton.  The walk provides wonderful views of Lalibela and the surrounding countryside.  - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon. 
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 06   Lalibela - Axum
​Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years.  Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. See St. Mary Tsion Church, which houses the Ark of the Covenant according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (no one is allowed to see the Ark.) Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.
​Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 07   Axum - Addis Ababa
​Fly to Addis Ababa.  Visit the National Museum, home of the 3-million-year-old skeleton “Lucy.”  Optional souvenir shopping in the afternoon.  Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups.  Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.
​ (B, L, D)